New Ashgate Gallery
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Karen Shapley Work by this artist

Qualifications

2004 BA (Hons) Contemporary Crafts 1st Class, Manchester Metropolitan University

Collections

2006 April worked purchased by Drumcroon Arts Centre for their Collection



Solo Exhibitions

2005 March Solo Exhibition at Out of The Blue Gallery in Leek



Group Exhibitions

2006 January - March 'Love me Do' Craft Centre and Design Gallery Leeds

2006 February - April 'Going Potty' Craft Shop Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester

2006 July-August 'Tea for Two'Out of the Blue Gallery Leek

2006 September Drumcroon Arts Centre Wigan

2006 November Cup and Saucer Exhibition Where I fell In Love Gallery Shipston on Stour

2006 November Wire The Craft Centre and Design Gallery Leeds

2006 November Christmas Out of the Blue Gallery Leek



Artist Statement

"I am a ceramic/textile artist creating a range of ceramic objects resembling domestic tea ephemera. My pieces are playful and a contemporary reflection of a bygone age when tea parties and domestic decadence were everyday occurrences.

Inspiration comes from an era when time was taken to enjoy the social niceties of afternoon tea. The sourcing of found objects such as textiles and cutlery from junk shops and markets enable me to add layers of comfort, colour and nostalgic memories. Grandma's linens, stripe's and spots help create a range of embellished, decorative tea pottery.

Ceramics are hand-built from slabs of clay, decorated with a range of coloured slips and text. Textiles are dyed stitched and printed before being padded and buttoned. Found objects are included to add a further dimension and to develop subtle recognition. These recycled items include vintage textiles, patterns, embroidery transfers and metal objects. Spoons are sometimes pierced before the addition of enamel paint and lazertran decals. Development of these often neglected items allows them a new lease of life and by adding them to my ceramics helps facilitate Engaging Domestics.

Future explorations include an expansion of ideas within the realm of recycling found objects. My work will continue to be a humorous reflective glance at past times, enabling me to create decorative domestics for you to collect and treasure."